Thalnor returned to the lab, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. His heart raced with a mixture of excitement and anticipation, each step taking him closer to the culmination of his dark plan. As the heavy door creaked open, he entered the dimly lit chamber, his eyes scanning the room.
Suddenly, he froze.
There, lying motionless in the center of the now-inactive formation, was Hades. His body appeared lifeless, completely still, as if all vitality had drained away. Thalnor's eyes widened, and for a brief moment, he felt a pang of disbelief.
"Is he... already dead?" the thought crossed his mind as he cautiously approached the body.
Thalnor's breath quickened, but he quickly calmed himself. He had done this countless times before—there was no reason to doubt his abilities.
